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The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris
1951, Devon.
Connie’s job at the Tivoli cinema provides an escape from her alcoholic father, Frank. There she meets and falls in love with projectionist Charlie.
After a whirlwind romance, he splices his proposal into her favourite film, Casablanca, and for the first time, Connie dares to dream of a life beyond the one she’s settled for.
Charlie promises her a happy ending, but for Connie, fate has a different plan.
1996. Seeking fulfilment after his divorce, Eddie takes on the now dilapidated Tivoli cinema, a once-shining gem in Devon. He finds an abandoned film reel with a
I’m sorry.
The film reveals the final frames of Casablanca, with a marriage proposal to someone called Connie Harris . . .
The discovery of an abandoned film reel in a dilapidated cinema reopens the mystery of a missing usherette and the fiancé she left behind.
Connie’s job at the Tivoli cinema provides an escape from her alcoholic father, Frank. There she meets and falls in love with projectionist Charlie.
After a whirlwind romance, he splices his proposal into her favourite film, Casablanca, and for the first time, Connie dares to dream of a life beyond the one she’s settled for.
Charlie promises her a happy ending, but for Connie, fate has a different plan.
1996. Seeking fulfilment after his divorce, Eddie takes on the now dilapidated Tivoli cinema, a once-shining gem in Devon. He finds an abandoned film reel with a
I’m sorry.
The film reveals the final frames of Casablanca, with a marriage proposal to someone called Connie Harris . . .
The discovery of an abandoned film reel in a dilapidated cinema reopens the mystery of a missing usherette and the fiancé she left behind.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 29, 2024
Many thanks to Joffe Books for this eARC.
A heart-wrenching and heartwarming read which holds you tight
From beginning to end this book had me gripped. I loved the characters, and hated the father of one of them, which takes great narrative skill. If the writing didn’t come across so passively it would have enhanced an already great story.
The characters, historical and modern settings, and emotions, etc., all leapt from the page and straight into my heart and mind. So gripped was I that I’ve only highlighted one pull quote …
‘Eddie tried to assemble the words he’d rehearsed on the walk over, but they scattered like a dandelion clock caught by a gust of wind.’
The point of view switches between a few people, mainly the two lead characters, as well as two timelines—1951 and 1996, and these both feel authentic and real. So many times I held my breath at near misses and other events, which I can’t mention due to spoilers.
This starts as a sweet love story, then tragedy and betrayal hit, along with a whole series of coincidences and near misses. This tale had me smiling, crying, and wanting to yell in frustration at fate’s cruel interventions. An absolutely gripping read, which gets a solid five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
A heart-wrenching and heartwarming read which holds you tight
From beginning to end this book had me gripped. I loved the characters, and hated the father of one of them, which takes great narrative skill. If the writing didn’t come across so passively it would have enhanced an already great story.
The characters, historical and modern settings, and emotions, etc., all leapt from the page and straight into my heart and mind. So gripped was I that I’ve only highlighted one pull quote …
‘Eddie tried to assemble the words he’d rehearsed on the walk over, but they scattered like a dandelion clock caught by a gust of wind.’
The point of view switches between a few people, mainly the two lead characters, as well as two timelines—1951 and 1996, and these both feel authentic and real. So many times I held my breath at near misses and other events, which I can’t mention due to spoilers.
This starts as a sweet love story, then tragedy and betrayal hit, along with a whole series of coincidences and near misses. This tale had me smiling, crying, and wanting to yell in frustration at fate’s cruel interventions. An absolutely gripping read, which gets a solid five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
September 6, 2024
Tiverton, Devon, 1951.
Connie Harris is a young woman working as an usherette at the Tivoli cinema. Her work is her refuge, as she lives with her alcoholic father, Frank, who is no shy about abusing her verbally and physically. Connie’s mother recently died, and her older brother, Michael, has joined the Navy (mostly to escape his father and his wrath).
It is at the Tivoli when she notices a young and handsome projectionist, Charlie Smith. A romance blossoms, and Charlie proposes in the most romantic way ever – he splices his proposal ‘Connie Harris, will you marry me?’ into her favourite film, Casablanca.
Life, however, works in mysterious ways, and it appears that Connie’s and Charlie’s lives will become upturned…
1996. Eddie leases the dilapidated Tivoli cinema and begins its restorations. It’s there he finds the abandoned film reel with a note ‘I’m sorry’. With the help of Anna, a film PhD student, the two of them start to uncover the mystery of Connie Harris.
I loved this book!!
I love historical fiction with a dash of romance, and this book has really hit the spot! I really needed an escape and a pick-up after long days at work, and this has worked a treat.
I enjoyed the dual timeline, and I was desperate to discover what happened to Connie. I certainly didn’t expect the outcome.
This book is very well researched when it comes to cinematography, working the reels, and splicing them. I enjoyed the whole experience.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book.
Connie Harris is a young woman working as an usherette at the Tivoli cinema. Her work is her refuge, as she lives with her alcoholic father, Frank, who is no shy about abusing her verbally and physically. Connie’s mother recently died, and her older brother, Michael, has joined the Navy (mostly to escape his father and his wrath).
It is at the Tivoli when she notices a young and handsome projectionist, Charlie Smith. A romance blossoms, and Charlie proposes in the most romantic way ever – he splices his proposal ‘Connie Harris, will you marry me?’ into her favourite film, Casablanca.
Life, however, works in mysterious ways, and it appears that Connie’s and Charlie’s lives will become upturned…
1996. Eddie leases the dilapidated Tivoli cinema and begins its restorations. It’s there he finds the abandoned film reel with a note ‘I’m sorry’. With the help of Anna, a film PhD student, the two of them start to uncover the mystery of Connie Harris.
I loved this book!!
I love historical fiction with a dash of romance, and this book has really hit the spot! I really needed an escape and a pick-up after long days at work, and this has worked a treat.
I enjoyed the dual timeline, and I was desperate to discover what happened to Connie. I certainly didn’t expect the outcome.
This book is very well researched when it comes to cinematography, working the reels, and splicing them. I enjoyed the whole experience.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book.
August 20, 2024
Still wiping a few tears from my face. Wow. So difficult to write the review without giving away part of the storyline. The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris is a dual timeline. Although I had strong ideas about a third of the way through on how the plot might develop, I was still not prepared for the ending. Well done!
Releases Sep. 5th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Releases Sep. 5th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 9, 2024
This was such a surprising read.
I don't read much historical fiction - it's not my go to genre at all - but I do like to expand my reading every so often and to be honest I usually come out absolutey loving them.
This was my current choice - but as I was reading, this proved to be so much more.
A great mix of genres that had me totally enthralled from start to finish.
This was actually a split timeline with the present - set around the mid 90's where Eddie leases the old, run-down Tivoli cinema in a bid to renovate and restore it's former glory.
As he sets to work, he discovers an old reel with a note saying 'im sorry' and a marriage proposal spliced into the film.
Eddie is so intrigued with who Connie Harris was, he sets off on a journey of discovery.
I love a dual timeline story and this one worked so well with the different pov's and switching between the 90's and the 50's.
Were able to piece together the whole as Eddie uncovers more and more information and we follow Connie and her story 'real time' too.
The characters really jumped off the page and I really connected with them all....with the exception of Connie's father!!
The character development was well written and this showed in the way I took Connie into my heart and became immersed in her story.
I can't really say much more about the plot as I hate giving spoilers, but the different timelines flowed and entwined beautifully with each other.
The writing style was easy to read and immersive and I couldn't put this down.
A great first read by this author and I'd love to read more of their work in the future.
I don't read much historical fiction - it's not my go to genre at all - but I do like to expand my reading every so often and to be honest I usually come out absolutey loving them.
This was my current choice - but as I was reading, this proved to be so much more.
A great mix of genres that had me totally enthralled from start to finish.
This was actually a split timeline with the present - set around the mid 90's where Eddie leases the old, run-down Tivoli cinema in a bid to renovate and restore it's former glory.
As he sets to work, he discovers an old reel with a note saying 'im sorry' and a marriage proposal spliced into the film.
Eddie is so intrigued with who Connie Harris was, he sets off on a journey of discovery.
I love a dual timeline story and this one worked so well with the different pov's and switching between the 90's and the 50's.
Were able to piece together the whole as Eddie uncovers more and more information and we follow Connie and her story 'real time' too.
The characters really jumped off the page and I really connected with them all....with the exception of Connie's father!!
The character development was well written and this showed in the way I took Connie into my heart and became immersed in her story.
I can't really say much more about the plot as I hate giving spoilers, but the different timelines flowed and entwined beautifully with each other.
The writing style was easy to read and immersive and I couldn't put this down.
A great first read by this author and I'd love to read more of their work in the future.
September 11, 2024
I don't think I even have the words to express how beautifully heart-breaking this book is. If I could rate it more than 5 stars I would.
The way this story was told, in six parts alternating between the past (in the 1950s) and the present (1996) worked so so well to reveal different parts of the mystery and give you a full sense of what was going on. And although I did guess kind of the big reveal before the time it didn't ruin it in any way and was still so good to see it play out for the characters. (Also not the kind of book where the big reveal happens in the last couple of chapters, this was maybe a two-thirds of the way through reveal so there's still a lot of story to play out regardless.) And apart from obviously the horrible ones, I loved all of the characters, of which there was a few between the two timelines.
I absolutely loved the story, but I also hated the story because it's so sad! Beautiful but sad and I spent a good half of part 6 crying my eyes out. The ending was so lovely though, and more heart-warming than I expected which was a very pleasant surprise. I feel like my review hasn't done justice to how good this book is, but please please read it for yourself so you can understand what I mean. I don't think there's a single person who could read this and not be moved by it.
The way this story was told, in six parts alternating between the past (in the 1950s) and the present (1996) worked so so well to reveal different parts of the mystery and give you a full sense of what was going on. And although I did guess kind of the big reveal before the time it didn't ruin it in any way and was still so good to see it play out for the characters. (Also not the kind of book where the big reveal happens in the last couple of chapters, this was maybe a two-thirds of the way through reveal so there's still a lot of story to play out regardless.) And apart from obviously the horrible ones, I loved all of the characters, of which there was a few between the two timelines.
I absolutely loved the story, but I also hated the story because it's so sad! Beautiful but sad and I spent a good half of part 6 crying my eyes out. The ending was so lovely though, and more heart-warming than I expected which was a very pleasant surprise. I feel like my review hasn't done justice to how good this book is, but please please read it for yourself so you can understand what I mean. I don't think there's a single person who could read this and not be moved by it.
September 5, 2024
It's 1951 in Devon and the world is still recovering from war and Connie is trying to make a new life for herself.
Her brother has left home and now she copes day to day with her abusive, alcoholic father.
But now she has met Charlie Smith, a projectionist who works at the Tivoli cinema like her.
They quickly fall in love and Charlie executes a romantic marriage proposal spliced into the end of Casablanca.
Connie is elated but life takes a drastic turn when her father finds out she is now engaged.
Move forward to 1996 and Eddie is now in charge of the Tivoli theatre needing a distraction after a recent divorce.
There he finds a reel of film, Casablanca with it's end credits tampered with by someone asking Connie Harris to marry them.
How can this connect through time to the present day and what does it mean?
Can Eddie solve the puzzle and is the answer closer in reach than he thinks?
Oh wow this book, I couldn't put it down, I loved the storyline and duality of its link with the present and past.
The plot was engaging and I really cared about the characters.
What a wonderful story of a new to me author.
One of my favourite reads this year.
Her brother has left home and now she copes day to day with her abusive, alcoholic father.
But now she has met Charlie Smith, a projectionist who works at the Tivoli cinema like her.
They quickly fall in love and Charlie executes a romantic marriage proposal spliced into the end of Casablanca.
Connie is elated but life takes a drastic turn when her father finds out she is now engaged.
Move forward to 1996 and Eddie is now in charge of the Tivoli theatre needing a distraction after a recent divorce.
There he finds a reel of film, Casablanca with it's end credits tampered with by someone asking Connie Harris to marry them.
How can this connect through time to the present day and what does it mean?
Can Eddie solve the puzzle and is the answer closer in reach than he thinks?
Oh wow this book, I couldn't put it down, I loved the storyline and duality of its link with the present and past.
The plot was engaging and I really cared about the characters.
What a wonderful story of a new to me author.
One of my favourite reads this year.
September 8, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Hygge Book Tours.
This captivating timeslip novel follows Connie in the 1950s, and Eddie in the 1990s. Connie was a character who came to life for me almost immediately, and from the author's description, I could picture her, in her work uniform. Connie's love of films was something that went to my heart, and I felt the connection and chemistry between Connie and Charlie.
I connected with Eddie and his narrative in a different way; at the start, he seemed lonely, and I sympathised with him. The nineties narrative also made me feel oddly nostalgic for the time that I grew up in.
It wasn't long before I became invested in this book; in fact, several chapters in, I found myself close to tears. I didn't want to stop turning the pages, but at the same time, I wanted to read the story slowly, and savour it.
This was an emotional read and a tearjerker, but it also warmed my heart, and I loved it.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This captivating timeslip novel follows Connie in the 1950s, and Eddie in the 1990s. Connie was a character who came to life for me almost immediately, and from the author's description, I could picture her, in her work uniform. Connie's love of films was something that went to my heart, and I felt the connection and chemistry between Connie and Charlie.
I connected with Eddie and his narrative in a different way; at the start, he seemed lonely, and I sympathised with him. The nineties narrative also made me feel oddly nostalgic for the time that I grew up in.
It wasn't long before I became invested in this book; in fact, several chapters in, I found myself close to tears. I didn't want to stop turning the pages, but at the same time, I wanted to read the story slowly, and savour it.
This was an emotional read and a tearjerker, but it also warmed my heart, and I loved it.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
August 10, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris” is by Carryl Church. Let me start with the positives: this was a really sweet book. The two timelines (1950s and 1990s) were woven together very well. The writing was clear and understandable. The characters were easy to keep apart - as were the timelines. I liked the inclusion of movies as a plot point - especially “Casablanca” being used in a cute way. Where this book failed for me was that it was, at times, a bit long. Also, I thought it would focus a bit more on the movies, not on the mystery. Also, I have to admit, I figured out what the mystery was going to be pretty early on in the book, so when something was revealed I wasn’t surprised. I think for a debut novel, this was a well written book, but it didn’t blow me away as much as it could have. I did like the care the author took with the history of film, theatre, and film preservation. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
“The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris” is by Carryl Church. Let me start with the positives: this was a really sweet book. The two timelines (1950s and 1990s) were woven together very well. The writing was clear and understandable. The characters were easy to keep apart - as were the timelines. I liked the inclusion of movies as a plot point - especially “Casablanca” being used in a cute way. Where this book failed for me was that it was, at times, a bit long. Also, I thought it would focus a bit more on the movies, not on the mystery. Also, I have to admit, I figured out what the mystery was going to be pretty early on in the book, so when something was revealed I wasn’t surprised. I think for a debut novel, this was a well written book, but it didn’t blow me away as much as it could have. I did like the care the author took with the history of film, theatre, and film preservation. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
September 11, 2024
This was an excellent read from the start till the end. The title certainly fits the story something the reader won't notice till further along in the story. The story takes place in a dual timeline both 1951 and then also in 1999. The characters are well put together and interesting, it's in the film projection/cinemas.
The story is mainly about Connie Harris and then of course Charlie Smith. We also get to know people who cross Connie's and Charlie's lives, family and friends. As the storytelling unravels we meet new people, the stuggles as well as mysteries involved in this book. This book was a cliffhanger and difficult to put down. The dramatic events that needed resolving in the book were not predictable and the author kept me guessing, then the story took another turn. I am happy to have read this new book by an author that was published for the first time.
Thank you
Charlotte N
The story is mainly about Connie Harris and then of course Charlie Smith. We also get to know people who cross Connie's and Charlie's lives, family and friends. As the storytelling unravels we meet new people, the stuggles as well as mysteries involved in this book. This book was a cliffhanger and difficult to put down. The dramatic events that needed resolving in the book were not predictable and the author kept me guessing, then the story took another turn. I am happy to have read this new book by an author that was published for the first time.
Thank you
Charlotte N
August 29, 2024
I have to admit that I thought the book started very predictably. How wrong was I? It wasn’t going to be a murder mystery with an amateur sleuth sometime in the future at all! Although there is a bit of sleuthing and there is hopping back and forth between two time periods and there is definitely mystery. With each telling of a section of the tale, there is a new twist that takes you deeper into the history of our titular character. This is a story about human failings, of love found and lost, of deceit although often not malicious and of strength. In fact, above all, strength. It further revolves around connections to the Tivoli Cinema and old films, academia and human nature, and a story that takes place across time.
If you want something that’s both heartwarming and nostalgic that fills you with warmth and a little courage then give it a read. You won’t regret it.
If you want something that’s both heartwarming and nostalgic that fills you with warmth and a little courage then give it a read. You won’t regret it.
September 6, 2024
liz_reid2021's profile picture
📚📚📚. Book Review. 📚📚📚
The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris by @carrylchurch has been a joy to read and review. Although stories with dual timelines are not my favourite in this book it works very well. As it weaves its way through the years the characters come to life and a fascinating story is revealed. A perfect book for all chiclet and romance readers.
1951 - Connie’s job at the Tivoli cinema provides an escape from her alcoholic father. She meets and falls in love with projectionist Charlie. After a whirlwind romance, Connie dares to dream of a better life. Charlie promises her a happy ending, but for Connie, fate has another plan.
1996 - The discovery of an abandoned film reel in a dilapidated cinema reopens the mystery of a missing usherette and the fiancé she left behind.
📚📚📚. Book Review. 📚📚📚
The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris by @carrylchurch has been a joy to read and review. Although stories with dual timelines are not my favourite in this book it works very well. As it weaves its way through the years the characters come to life and a fascinating story is revealed. A perfect book for all chiclet and romance readers.
1951 - Connie’s job at the Tivoli cinema provides an escape from her alcoholic father. She meets and falls in love with projectionist Charlie. After a whirlwind romance, Connie dares to dream of a better life. Charlie promises her a happy ending, but for Connie, fate has another plan.
1996 - The discovery of an abandoned film reel in a dilapidated cinema reopens the mystery of a missing usherette and the fiancé she left behind.
August 23, 2024
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. 'The Forgotten Life of Connie Harris' is a beautifully written story that has everything I look for in a novel. Steeped in emotion, the dual timelines are seamlessly woven together. It deals with love, both romantic and maternal, secrets, mystery and has a wonderful sense of place. I was moved to tears on occasion. The characterisation is particularly strong and I loved the strength of character shown by Connie against the odds. The plot with its background of cinematography and movies was fascinating. With the book's intriguing title and stunning cover, I kept turning the pages towards its very satisfying ending. Thank you to Joffe Books for an ARC of the novel.
September 2, 2024
Connie and Charlie meet at the cinema where they both work, fall in love and get engaged, then Connie goes missing. Her father’s body is found in a crashed van and it is presumed Connie is also dead.
A young woman is found injured on a remote moor by a farmer and his son, she cannot remember anything, not her name, her past nor how she came to be lying in a ditch.
This well written mystery is the story of the young woman and her son, interspaced with her son’s story as he restores a run down cinema.
A young woman is found injured on a remote moor by a farmer and his son, she cannot remember anything, not her name, her past nor how she came to be lying in a ditch.
This well written mystery is the story of the young woman and her son, interspaced with her son’s story as he restores a run down cinema.
August 29, 2024
A well wriiten story of love,loss ambition and success.
The characters are sympathetically drawn,set in the time of the mid twentieth century.
The technical aspects of cinematography had enough detail to be convincing but not too much to bore the reader.
All in all a different topic for a novel but well worth reading.
The characters are sympathetically drawn,set in the time of the mid twentieth century.
The technical aspects of cinematography had enough detail to be convincing but not too much to bore the reader.
All in all a different topic for a novel but well worth reading.
September 13, 2024
A great split time story that is believable. The heroine is only too well written and you'll be crying over her story. It is both desperately sad and joyous. Connie is shown as how strong a woman can be and you are with her all the way. Charlie is her perfectly balanced love who you cheer on hoping against hope it will come right for them. A great romance and story. Enjoy.
November 15, 2024
I didn't expect to enjoy this book so much, having little interest in films, but it didn't take long for me to get into Connie's story, then Eddie's in the parts set 45 years later, and I really loved the way the two timelines connected (not in a supernatural way this time - it's not that kind of dual time story). A very pleasant surprise.
September 4, 2024
I received a free ARC of this book from Joffe books in return for an unbiased review, and can honestly say I loved it. It’s tricky to say too much without spoiling the story, but tissues are required (I cried a lot!).
September 7, 2024
A dual timeline novel set in the 1950s and 1990s working well in both periods. A good storyline line, I loved the Casablanca marriage proposal, and both of the characters of Connie and Charlie. I found it a bit slow and long in places but a good 4* read
September 13, 2024
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Great character development; intriguing story; going to be thinking about this one for a long time. Definitely recommend!
I want to thank Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I want to thank Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 7, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I figured out the connections fairly easily but that didn’t stop my from enjoying the book. Such loveable characters that have you rooting for them. Highly recommend.
September 13, 2024
Absolutely wonderful!
Wow what an amazing story this is. I guarantee that you will love it.
I’m so sorry it’s ended it’s a it hard act to follow!
Wow what an amazing story this is. I guarantee that you will love it.
I’m so sorry it’s ended it’s a it hard act to follow!
September 20, 2024
Great Read !
This story started out with tragedy and ended up with hope. The characters fit the plot perfectly to create a satisfying conclusion.
This story started out with tragedy and ended up with hope. The characters fit the plot perfectly to create a satisfying conclusion.
October 8, 2024
Loved the story
I Loved the beginning and the ending was very endearing full of nostalgia, what a wonderful read- I cannot wait to read another Carryl Church book
I Loved the beginning and the ending was very endearing full of nostalgia, what a wonderful read- I cannot wait to read another Carryl Church book
October 16, 2024
A great read
A really good story. I enjoyed the depiction of Devon and the well drawn characters. The dual narrative also worked.
A really good story. I enjoyed the depiction of Devon and the well drawn characters. The dual narrative also worked.
January 18, 2025
A good read
I really enjoyed this book. The story line kept me interested and the way the characters all linked together, worked. Looking forward to the next one!
I really enjoyed this book. The story line kept me interested and the way the characters all linked together, worked. Looking forward to the next one!
October 13, 2025
What a great read loved it
Totally refreshing couldn't stop reading it in was hooked by the first chapter. I wad Sad it came to an end
Totally refreshing couldn't stop reading it in was hooked by the first chapter. I wad Sad it came to an end
January 15, 2026
I’m in the same online writing group as the author so I was fortunate to have read an early copy of the book as a beta reader. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Dual 1950s and 1990s timelines are cleverly woven together to tell the story of cinema usherette Connie who, after a whirlwind romance, goes missing and leaves her poor fiancé behind. Years later, an abandoned film reel is discovered in a dilapidated Devon cinema and it reopens the mystery of Connie’s tragic disappearance.
It’s a super story and a real page-turner – great characters, super plot and loads of emotion that really brought a lump to my throat in lots of different places.
There's a terrific sense of place. Here's one small extract describing the Devon countryside:
"Glimpses of life flickered past, then they were climbing, up and up, the car straining in first gear against the gradient of the road. At the top, the moor opened up on all sides. Vast swathes of bracken, heather and gorse covered hills sat under immense skies, an unending horizon."
Wonderful writing!
Dual 1950s and 1990s timelines are cleverly woven together to tell the story of cinema usherette Connie who, after a whirlwind romance, goes missing and leaves her poor fiancé behind. Years later, an abandoned film reel is discovered in a dilapidated Devon cinema and it reopens the mystery of Connie’s tragic disappearance.
It’s a super story and a real page-turner – great characters, super plot and loads of emotion that really brought a lump to my throat in lots of different places.
There's a terrific sense of place. Here's one small extract describing the Devon countryside:
"Glimpses of life flickered past, then they were climbing, up and up, the car straining in first gear against the gradient of the road. At the top, the moor opened up on all sides. Vast swathes of bracken, heather and gorse covered hills sat under immense skies, an unending horizon."
Wonderful writing!
March 17, 2026
Once I became immersed in Connies story it was unputdownable and the characters shone from the pages.
The duel time line is written flawlessly.
Heartbreakingly beautiful
The duel time line is written flawlessly.
Heartbreakingly beautiful
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews